The Key to Energy Development in Indonesia

Talking about energy development, first we must know what does it means with development in terms of energy. According to The Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, 1987, development means meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The talk about energy relates with electricity since electricity is the most common energy source/carrier that we consume and also a very convenient form of energy. No electricity means no light, no communication, no refrigeration for vaccines and medicines, no industrial activity, and so on. Thus, the condition will lead to poverty and stagnancy in state’s development.

Electricity sector in Indonesia has one major problem, its generator fuel source. Most of Indonesia power plant use nonrenewable energy such as oil, natural gas, and coal, which are finite and gradually depleting and also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gas. A highly dependence usage of those sources will cause energy collapse in the future. Thus, the future generations will not only unable to use the same energy sources as we do, but also it’s againts the meaning of development itself.

Renewable energy is the solution for our energy problems and also the future for our energy development. Let us take geothermal energy for example. The total geothermal energy potensial in Indonesia is around 20,000 MW, which is almost 40% of world’s geothermal energy resources. And only with this energy source we almost can supply the electricity needs of the entire Indonesian. Then, what if we exploit the full potensial of all renewable energy in Indonesia? I am sure that electricity will no longer be a problem.

The utilization of renewable energy are still small compared to national energy demand. This condition happened because the price of its electricity is still not competitive enough compared to the traditional forms of energy. Besides that, lack of knowledge and human resources also contribute in slowly progress of turning to this sources of energy.

The price of oil is still subsidizied which cause price distortion. Hopefully, with its subsidy is being reduced gradually, the price of this renewable energy can be competitive. But, this is only the first step. If we aim to fully rely on this renewable energy, there are more assignments coming ahead. They are stimulate R&D in renewable energy, encourage small power producer to develop renewable energy, making program on interconnection of renewable energy power generation, develop microhydro power program, develop program on energy self sufficient program, and many more. All of these policies will not be effective and work well without the participation from industrial sector and full support from the goverment. Therefore, there is an urgency to maintain these policies consistency from the disruption of political and economic factors.

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short essay for delegation selection on campus

Agus Praditya T

Talking about energy development, first we must know what does it means with development in terms of energy. According to The Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, 1987, development means meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The talk about energy relates with electricity since electricity is the most common energy source/carrier that we consume and also a very convenient form of energy. No electricity means no light, no communication, no refrigeration for vaccines and medicines, no industrial activity, and so on. Thus, the condition will lead to poverty and stagnancy in state’s development.

Electricity sector in Indonesia has one major problem, its generator fuel source. Most of Indonesia power plant use nonrenewable energy such as oil, natural gas, and coal, which are finite and gradually depleting and also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gas. A highly dependence usage of those sources will cause energy collapse in the future.Thus, the future generations will not only unable to use the same energy sources as we do, but also it’s againts the meaning of development itself.

Renewable energy is the solution for our energy problems and also the future for our energy development. Let us take geothermal energy for example. The total geothermal energy potensial in Indonesia is around 20,000 MW, which is almost 40% of world’s geothermal energy resources. And only with this energy source we almost can supply the electricity needs of the entire Indonesian. Then, what if we exploit the full potensial of all renewable energy in Indonesia? I am sure that electricity will no longer be a problem.

The utilization of renewable energy are still small compared to national energy demand. This condition happened because the price of its electricity is still not competitive enough compared to the traditional forms of energy. Besides that, lack of knowledge and human resources also contribute in slowly progress of turning to this sources of energy.

The price of oil is still subsidizied which cause price distortion. Hopefully, with its subsidy is being reduced gradually, the price of this renewable energy can be competitive. But, this is only the first step. If we aim to fully rely on this renewable energy, there are more assignments coming ahead. They are stimulate R&D in renewable energy, encourage small power producer to develop renewable energy, making program on interconnection of renewable energy power generation, develop microhydro power program, develop program on energy self sufficient program, and many more. All of these policies will not be effective and work well without the participation from industrial sector and full support from the goverment. Therefore, there is an urgency to maintain these policies consistency from the disruption of political and economic factors.